As we approach the halfway point of the year—and perhaps the month of sunshine, expansion, and joyful possibilities—this is the perfect time to pause and revisit the visions we set for ourselves when the clock struck midnight earlier this year. This summer energy is often busy; it is one of creation and transformation. That means it also invites us to slow down and ask ourselves, “What am I creating?”
Although the word “spellcraft” may sound mysterious and conjure up images of cauldrons and wands, at its core, a spell is the art of working consciously and with intention. It is the practice of choosing what we want to cultivate and then directing our energy, attention and focus there.
In many ways, we cast spells every day. The stories we tell ourselves, the thoughts we repeat, the habits we practice, and the actions we take all shape our reality. When we include intention in those choices, we can participate more consciously in creating our lives. Essential oils can be powerful allies in this process, because scent has the special ability to anchor us in a certain feeling or state of mind. Just as certain scents can take us back to a memory from our childhood, essential oils can also help us embody qualities such as confidence, clarity, courage or creativity, and over time become aromatic reminders of our intentions. So I thought it would be powerful to share some blends of super powerful summer spells.
The ingredients of spellcraft
At its core, spellcraft is made up of four things:
- Intention – what do you desire to create?
- Attention – where do you put your focus?
- Inspired action: what steps are you willing to take?
- Trust – can you allow things to unfold?
Essential oils can support each of these aspects of spells and help us reconnect with ourselves and the qualities we wish to embody. In particular, we want to work with mixtures that support us in supercharging these things.
Essential oils for setting intentions
It can be helpful to cultivate a number of qualities to become good at spells – including clarity, focus and vision to help us know our intention and direct our attention to the aligned goal, confidence and dedication to help us take inspired action, courage to help us trust, and love and self-esteem to know that no matter what happens, we are good enough as we are, regardless of the outcome. I share some ritual blends for you below to help you cultivate the skills needed to support you in creating your intention.
Clarity, focus and vision
Before we set an intention, we need to know what is important to us. Often we are so busy reacting to life that we forget to feel what we really want from it.
Frankincense is one of the most supportive oils for reflection and inner clarity, which can help us gain clarity about what we actually want to create in life. It has been used traditionally in spiritual practices for thousands of years, encouraging silence and helping to quiet mental noise so we can hear our own wisdom more clearly.
Lemon and Rosemary are two other excellent oils for inspiring clarity and supporting focus, concentration and purposeful action once an intention has been chosen.
Brightness and focus mix: Mix 2 drops of frankincense, 2 drops of rosemary and 2 drops of lemon in water in an electric diffuser or candle burner.
Journal about the following:
- What do I want to create more of in my life?
- What would I choose if fear didn’t make the decision?
- Write freely for ten minutes and let your answers emerge without judgment, fear, or self-doubt. Pay attention to what emerges.
Trust and dedication
When we become witnesses to our true desires, fear can arise. Sometimes we know exactly what we want, but we lack the confidence to go there. Essential oils can support us in this.
Bergamot is a beautiful oil that encourages optimism and self-confidence. The uplifting citrus aroma helps lift emotional heaviness and reconnect us with possibilities.
Likewise, Sweet Orange has a similar essence, which cultivates joy, confidence and creative expression.
Patchouli is an earthy, grounding oil that helps build embodied courage.
Combination of trust and dedication: Mix 3 drops of Bergamot, 2 drops of Patchouli and 1 drop of Sweet Orange in 10 ml of Grape Seed Oil and apply to your wrists – or even to your entire body (gently massaging towards the heart) – to give you the confidence to stick to your intention.
Affirm to yourself:
- I don’t need certainty before I start
Whenever you need a boost of confidence, or even to refocus your attention on your intention when it wanders into fear, repeat this ritual.
Courage, self-esteem and love
Many of our intentions fail because deep down we are either afraid to take action or don’t believe we are worthy of receiving what we desire. Floral essential oils in particular can help us cultivate a sense of self-confidence.
Rose essential oil has long been associated with healing the heart. It supports compassion, emotional openness and self-love, and helps us create intentions that come from our hearts rather than from self-criticism.
Geranium is another nourishing oil that supports emotional balance and helps us stay connected to ourselves in times of change.
Likewise, Ylang Ylang is a sweet flower that helps inspire courage and nurture self-esteem.
Courage, self-esteem and love go together: Mix 4 drops of Rose, 1 drop of Geranium and 1 drop of Ylang Ylang in water in an electric diffuser or candle burner.
Place your hand on your heart and ask:
- What would become possible if I truly believed I was worthy?
- Allow yourself to simply sit with whatever arises
A simple spell ritual
As a greater invitation, once you have completed the rituals above, I invite you to choose one intention and one essential oil that reflects the quality you wish to cultivate.
Pulse Point Mixture: Mix one drop of your chosen oil in a rollette bottle filled with 10 ml of carrier oil. Write down your intention in a diary. Apply the mixture to your pulse points in the evening and morning, close your eyes and take three slow breaths, asking yourself:
- What do I choose to create today?
- What action can I take today to bring my intention to life?
- This blend will act as a reminder to help you maintain your focus and take aligned action toward your vision.
Just like a witch!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about magic over the years, it’s that spells aren’t about “wishing” another life; it’s about consciously participating in its creation.
Essential oils can act as fragrant reminders of the qualities we want to cultivate and can help us bring our intentions from the imagination and into everyday life.
Have fun manifesting!